Free shipping and returns for Rab or Montbell

You are asking for a lot of "free" in thst scenario. Good luck with that….

Hi Sonnie,

The return shipping is the hard part. I think Amazon does this but they probably don't have what you're looking for. Campsaver will ship it to you and let you return it, but you'll have to ship it back to them. Good luck on your search!

Campsaver will pay for return shipping if the items do not fit.

"You are asking for a lot of "free" in thst scenario. Good luck with that…."

And why shouldn't they? Many companies offer free return shipping, but since these jackets are a niche product, nobody can be expected to have an encyclopedic knowledge of all companies carrying them. These companies can make a profit when something goes on sale for 50% off, I'm sure they're making a profit despite eating an $8 shipping cost. The OP isn't asking for charity.

Shaming people for asking for information is lame.

You can try just ordering a medium in each (especially the Rab). From those two, you'll know which jacket you prefer, and what size you need (you either have the right size or it's too big).

Cuts down on what you have to worry about returning, and perhaps opens up more possibilities for ordering (you might find a store that has a lower price, even if you have to pay return shipping, than one that pays return shipping).

FWIW.

+1 Campsaver. I settled on a montbell alpine light jacket this fall and they sent me a sm & md. I told them before hand one would be coming back. They said no problem that's our policy. After I decided on size I noticed that they had more stock on black jackets come in. As that was my first choice in color I asked if I could send the other two back and have them send me the black in the correct size. They again said no problem as they guarantee returns and didn't even charge me for shipping on the next order. I don't usually like to take advantage like that but I would agree the profits are definitely built in and they were initially out of stock on the piece I was looking for. Campsaver also price matches -5%. Great people to deal with.

jimmyb

Thanks all!

Kelly, Stephen, Jimmy: thanks for the heads up on Campsaver. Sounds like the best option.

Doug: Good idea, esp if CampSaver doesn't have what I need.

Max: You are so kind and smart!

Jimmer: I got nothin' for ya.

Sonnie,

I think you (and Max ) misinterprted my post. Seems I hit a sore spot.

It was not the "shame" anyone. Just to perhaps rethink your expectations.

I'm most likely about 20 years older than you or Max. Live long enough, and you realize there is truly " no free lunch". Ordering four coats knowing you will be shipping back at least three if them and expecting the seller to pay for it all ,is to me,epecting a bit too much.

In the case of high priced down jackets, the retailer is probably making enough money on them and they are light enough, the exta shipping is moot.

So, if Campsaver, et al can still turn a profit doing so,more power to them (and you).

Good luck on your search for a down jacket. They are nice things to have on a trip.;)

Jimmer:

Given the myriad body shapes and sizes — and the even more bewildering myriad of clothing colors and styles… it can only be expected that people will want to try on multiple different attire before buying.

Stores can elect to rent fancy shops to entice shoppers to come in and try things out — or provide free/easy shipping and return to entice shoppers to buy things sight unseen. Different business models. And no shame at all to try things out. Again, it is only expected. And trust me, the costs are built into the selling price, either way.

Hope this makes sense — and will put your good conscience more at ease.

I am aware if all of that. But brick snd mortor or not,It still costs moneyto ship things and somebody DOES pay for it in the end.

The flip side of web retailing is that Website developement and maintanence ,online advertising ,IT techs ,software ,servers ,customer service reps and shipping personel cost money,too;)

Like I said, if online retailers are OK with it, I wish them and the OP the best of luck with that.

I was lucky enough to find a Rab Microlight Alpine jacket in a small on a rack at my local REI.

Since they don't carry it in the store, presumably, someone bought it online (with free shipping, since it was over $50), and returned it locally to the store (for free).

I got lucky and got to try it on!

The small fit perfectly, was cozy and seemed like a quality jacket. Unfortunately, the hood was so short it seemed like it was made for someone with no neck :) When I put the hood up, I had to pull it up over my head and the jacket actually raised up and inch or so, making the entire weight of the jacket pull down from the top of my head. It was almost comical! I have read such good things about this jacket, so I wonder if it is actually a manufacturing error since the hood was so grossly mis-sized. (I am a very average size and easily fit into a small or medium for almost any brand.)

Rab is out, despite the hood issue. Even if it was a defective coat, just putting it on at REI made me realize that I don't want a down jacket that is almost 1 lb for a summer thru hike, even if it's in the mountains. That is just too much weight to carry for the few nights of frost, and extra warmth assurance. Too bad–it's on Steep and Cheap right now.

I'd like to try a few Mont Bell down jackets, but they just don't exist around here.

For now, I am going with a Uniqlo Women's Ultra Light Down jacket (90% down). http://www.uniqlo.com/us/product/women-ultra-light-down-jacket-133103.html for about $60 / 5-7 ounces, and I am thrilled. It seems to be only sold in their own stores or on their own website, so if I order I'm gonna have to pay for shipping on this one because it's too cheap for free shipping! Or increase my sales total by ordering both a Small and Medium (to be sure of my size) and pay for return shipping for the one that doesn't work. Either way, I need pay a couple bucks for shipping. But for a $60, supposedly decent jacket, I don't mind so much on principle :) More likely, I'll be able to pass through one of their stores before my trip and try a few on in person.

Wow..

Quite an ordeal finding a jacket that works. You are not alone in that..Hoods seem to be a big problem.

FWIW, I am going with a Uniqlo dri down myself. Good coats for the dollar.

I wish you luck getting one suits you. Let us know what you wind up with…